SILVER LAKE

We have been trying to take the kids on some hikes. This one was on a Sunday afternoon to break up the day and to get some of the kids energy out. We headed up to Silver Lake, which isn't really a hike but more of a board walk around a lake. But it was a lot of fun. As we pulled in I realized that this a hike that I did when I was younger, maybe in merry miss, with my Dad. It was a fun daddy daughter outing. It brought back such a fun memory.

So we walked around and stopped to feed the ducks and then walked some more. The kids loved it and it was such perfect weather. Until right at the end when it started to sprinkle. The kids really are a lot of fun to go hiking with though, they just love it.

BACK 2 SCHOOL

Back to school came fast, probably because it came at the end of August and not in September. It was still technically summer when it was time to go back. But it was fun and sad to send Sam and Mason to school. Samantha started 1st grade and she was so excited. It for sure was bittersweet though. It was hard for me to send her off and not be able to be with her almost the whole day. I worry that friends/people will be nice to her, that she will make friends, that she will be ok, that school will be good to her. I know it sounds silly, but I just wanted her to have her mom with her, her mom's influence. But she was ready and she loves it. She looked so cute on her first day of school. I just love this girl so much. She is so smart and bright and such a special girl. Always wanting to do what is right and make everyone happy.

Mason started preschool this year, and I will be totally honest . . . . I was completely freaked out about it. Mason is my little worry child and I just worry about him all the time. He didn't even want or let me get a picture of him of him on his actual first day, so this was the best I could get. Mason has been excited about school since summer began. He has been ready and wanting to go, and now that it is here I hope it is all he wants and more. I hope he can be a good friend and make some good little friends. My biggest worry is that he will be respectful to his teacher and other adults. I love Mason so much and am glad that he gets to go have a school experience. Something that is his very own and that can be another step in helping him mature and grow up. I'm excited to see him develop and learn as the year goes on.

Mason has goats at his preschool and before I dropped him off at the door he wanted to get out and take a peek at them. He just loves all animals.
Sam and Mason . . . . good luck in school! I hope you both have a great year of learning and fun.

BEAR LAKE IN AUGUST

We spent so much time at Bear Lake this summer, but it seemed like August we were up there the most. It was a complete family month. At the beginning there was Raspberry Days, then Bob and Sara came into town and we headed up to the lake for the weekend, then we had our annaul Rich family weekend. It is one of my favorite weekends and this year was no exception.

While Bob and Sara and Duncan were here we took some family pictures and they turned out great. There are a bunch of great ones to choose from.

One night Poppy was really getting into telling the kids stories. Sam and Corbin and Poppy were really into it, but I'm not quite sure about Mason.
Lu loves her Honey, they always have a ton of fun. They are one in the same, maybe that's why they have such a special little bond!!!

We rowed out to the raft for a little quiet girl time. It didn't last too long, but it was great while it lasted.
Any time I give Chance to Ben I know that a nap usually follows, for both of them.


We had some fun out on the boat. And when I say we I am including myself. I tubed and wake boarded this summer, actually all in one weekend.

Here Ben is getting some major air on the tube.
Samantha and Corbin on the tube.
There must have been some kind of dance party in the cabin that I wasn't invited to. but I found the pictures.




Here I am wake boarding. I'm not that great at all, but I did it!
Alex and I had a blast on the tube. I was seriously laughing so dang hard. See I am fun!!!

Sam tried skiing, and she was almost up but the rope was too long and she couldn't quite get up. Here she is with Aunt Shelly. Samantha loves this weekend too. Probably because she gets to hang out with Aunt Shelly, who she just LOVES!!!

Here they are again, napping.

Bear Lake was such a blast this summer. We spent so much time up there and loved it. One of the times we were heading home, Mason asked if we could live up at Bear Lake. Maybe next summer buddy. I am already excited for spending next summer up at the lake with Ben, my kids and family!!!

While Heather and her kids were still in town, we had a fun afternoon of hu ninja moves (as my kids call it), in the backyard.

Luella was so tired one day that while I was gone and Ben was in the basement working, she went and grabbed her blankets and binki and laid down on Ben's bag and fell asleep.

This is so cute! Ben feeding Chance and Luella asleep on Ben's lap. The kids just can't get enough of their dad.